We’re all in on the last game, even though, in the words of John Fogerty (or is it Yogi Berra), it’s like deja vu all over again. If there’s ever a time to drop some bold predictions, it’s the game that everybody knew was coming all season long. But seriously, there have to be a few surprises here … right?

1. Bama strikes first

Clemson’s offense had trouble adjusting to the speed of even Notre Dame’s defense (see three first-quarter drives for a total of three points, Trevor Lawrence getting harassed early in the pocket). It only makes sense that Alabama will be yet another monumental speed adjustment. Bama gets the first score in this game.

2. We see the Tua & Jalen formation again

What may have been the most fascinating moment of the Bama-Oklahoma semifinal was the formation with both QBs. Alabama showed it, but we’ve got a feeling they’ll go back to it. Why not? Tua Tagovailoa and Jalen Hurts are both athletic enough to run, throw or catch. So don’t be surprised to see a big play with both QBs in the game at once.

3. It’s Damien’s day

Alabama featured Josh Jacobs as their back against Oklahoma, just because Jacobs’ burst made him attractive in a shootout. Don’t be surprised if the Tide lean move heavily on Damien Harris in the final. Harris might not be quite the home run threat that Jacobs is, but his 2 touchdowns against the Sooners and wealth of experience will help him in a physical slugfest. We’ll see Harris finishing with 15-plus carries for more than 75 yards and another 2 scores.

Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

4. Clemson will ride Etienne — who will be effective

Lawrence is the most electric Clemson Tiger and the one Alabama will be ready for. A bigger key might be Travis Etienne, because if Clemson can stay out of obvious passing downs, it’ll improve their offensive efficiency greatly. Alabama can be vulnerable against the pass — but only if you run well enough to keep them from teeing off. We see 100 yards for Etienne, which will make Lawrence’s life much easier.

5. Alabama blocks a kick

Unlike many of the better P5 teams, Clemson really doesn’t have a huge kicking game advantage against Alabama. They missed an extra point last week, and the punting game is so-so. Alabama’s speed can make an impact in many ways, and watch out for special teams. The Tide are due for a blocked kick, and we forsee one of those coming.

6. Alabama by 10 at the half

We like the Tide early, as Clemson will have some adjustments to the tempo of Alabama’s skill players. The Tide will have a careless turnover that will leave Clemson in the game, albeit trailing by a touchdown and a field goal at the half.

7. Lawrence lights it up

This is what you fear as a Tide fan. Everybody saw Lawrence just cook Notre Dame’s secondary … and Kyler Murray do his number on the Tide. Teams that beat Alabama have to get some big plays, and Lawrence will do his damage in the second half. He’ll reach 300 yards and hit a couple of big plays, likely to Tee Higgins.

8. Penalties again hurt Bama

Against Oklahoma, when it wasn’t Murray hurting the Tide, it was the Tide hurting the Tide. Alabama had 9 penalties for 86 yards against Oklahoma, and we’ll call for double-digit flags against the Tigers. It’ll hurt in the second half, turning first and 10s into first and 20s and third and longs defensively into first downs. Discipline will be an offseason buzzword in Tuscaloosa.

9. Clemson rallies back to have a late shot

The Tigers, trailing since the first quarter, will pull to within 30-24 late and will get the ball with Lawrence looking for a Watson-esque two-minute drill for history. After a couple of quick first downs, Lawrence will look over the middle for Hunter Renfrow on a safe pass, but instead …

10. Anfernee Jennings saves the day

Tide linebacker Anfernee Jennings will jump the late pass to Renfrow, and his pick-six is the nail in the coffin for Clemson. Alabama wins 37-24. Lawrence is the best player in the game but will forever be haunted by the Alabama linebacker he just didn’t see. Nick Saban will smile two or maybe even three times, Lane Kiffin will be throwing Twitter shade at everybody, and within five minutes we’ll be making bold predictions about next season.